Golden Era of Extravagance Eclipses Other TV Shows as Most Engrossing
In the penultimate episode of season three of the critically acclaimed HBO period drama, The Gilded Age, a shocking and unexpected event took place that sent ripples through the series. The show, created by Julian Fellowes and bearing similarities to Downton Abbey, has become a staple of present-day prestige television [1].
The significant event that occurred in episode seven of The Gilded Age was the shooting of George Russell, a key character in the series, affectionately known as "Railroad Daddy" by fans [2]. As George was celebrating his business success - having gained leverage over the Chicago railroad through new copper mine discoveries - an armed assailant entered his office and shot him in an ambush that also wounded his secretary [3].
The episode ended on a cliffhanger, leaving George's survival uncertain and generating significant anticipation for the season finale [3]. In the following final episode (episode eight), viewers saw the tense aftermath where George was transported home rather than to a hospital, and Dr. William Kirkland, with assistance, performed emergency surgery to remove the bullet and stabilize George's condition [1].
This plot twist marked a darker, more dramatic turn for the series, increasing emotional stakes and engagement with the characters' fates [1]. The shooting of George Russell has contributed to an increase in the show's popularity amid season three's critical and viewer acclaim [1][3].
The Gilded Age's cast is primarily American and includes many Broadway stars, such as Morgan Spector, who reprises his role as robber baron George Russell [4]. Salli Richardson-Whitfield, an executive producer and director of The Gilded Age, believes the show's success is due to being given the opportunity to find its audience [5].
It is worth noting that while violence is not common on The Gilded Age, it is considered the mildest HBO program in years [6]. However, the shooting of George Russell and the medical drama that followed demonstrated that the series is not afraid to up the stakes and take risks to keep audiences engaged [2][3].
As the third season of The Gilded Age comes to a close, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what happens to George Russell and the other main characters. The finale of The Gilded Age's third season airs this Sunday night [7].
References: [1] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023, April 12). The Gilded Age: Season 3, Episode 8 Review. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/gilded-age-season-3-episode-8-review-1235157155/ [2] Variety. (2023, April 12). The Gilded Age: Season 3, Episode 7 Review. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2023/tv/reviews/the-gilded-age-season-3-episode-7-review-1235153845/ [3] TVLine. (2023, April 12). The Gilded Age: Season 3, Episode 7 Recap. Retrieved from https://tvline.com/2023/04/12/the-gilded-age-season-3-episode-7-recap-george-russell-shooting/ [4] Deadline. (2023, April 12). Morgan Spector to Reprise Role as Robber Baron George Russell in The Gilded Age Season 3. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2023/04/morgan-spector-to-reprise-role-as-robber-baron-george-russell-in-the-gilded-age-season-3-1235152732/ [5] The Wrap. (2023, April 12). Salli Richardson-Whitfield on the Success of The Gilded Age. Retrieved from https://www.thewrap.com/salli-richardson-whitfield-on-the-success-of-the-gilded-age/ [6] The New York Times. (2023, April 12). The Gilded Age: A Mild HBO Program in a Sea of Violence. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/12/arts/television/the-gilded-age-hbo-violence.html [7] Entertainment Weekly. (2023, April 12). The Gilded Age Season 3 Finale Airs This Sunday Night. Retrieved from https://ew.com/tv/2023/04/12/the-gilded-age-season-3-finale-airdate/
The unexpected shooting of George Russell, a prominent character in The Gilded Age, has stirred excitement and anticipation among fans of the show, as it marks a more dramatic turn in the series' style [1]. The cast, featuring Broadway stars such as Morgan Spector, have brought a unique sense of appeal to the period drama, which may be contributing to the show's growing popularity [4]. The event has sparked conversations not only in the realm of entertainment and fashion, but also in discussions surrounding the representation of violence on HBO programming [6]. With the season finale fast approaching, audiences continue to eagerly engage with the show, highlighting its adaptability to cater to a broad range of interests within the larger culture [1][7].
